Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces some big decisions as he builds a long-term vision at the club.
There is still plenty of uncertainty surrounding many areas entering the summer transfer window, including his attack as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains linked with a summer exit.
A host of talented youngsters have made their mark so far for the Gunners during their below-par campaign – but one in particular has caught Arteta’s eye.
And he has made it clear in several interviews that Eddie Nketiah is in line for a pivotal role as he envisions his Arsenal attack of the future.
At the weekend, Nketiah was left on the bench and replaced Alexandre Lacazette in the 67th minute.
Among the late drama, Nketiah’s contribution appeared solid albeit unspectacular, although he had a role in Dani Ceballos’ stoppage time winner.
Yet he was again singled out by Arteta after the game when asked about the contribution of his youngsters.
“They are evolving,” Arteta told BT Sport after the game.
“They are really willing and they have a lot of personality to play.
“You can see the way they played today and Eddie as well, the way he came on and how he fights with everybody, he doesn’t care, so I really like that.”
It is not the first time Arteta has reserved special praise for Nketiah and it is clear he rates him highly after declining to allow him to head back out on loan in January.
Earlier this month, he tipped him to help them kick-on to reach the next level in the future.
Arteta said: “We treat Eddie as an important part of our squad. We had to make an important decision not to let him go on loan again after the spell he had at Leeds.
“I watched him train and I was very convinced he was the right player for us to move us to the next level, that he can contribute in a big way to to the way we want to play.
“He has been fantastic so far.”
